Callaway Epic, Epic Pro Irons and Epic Hybrids: In-Hand Photos

[DTown3011]

What's up with the lack of hybrid shaft options? For an expensive club, you're paying another $100 to get anything decent in it.

 

Callaway's hybrid shafts have been seriously lacking for awhile - good to see them add the KBS Proto Hybrid recently but that's been the only recent addition.

[craz-e]

Just back from a demo day, managed to hit the Epic pro irons and hybrid.

Was interesting to see my spin level on the Epic Pro irons and was surprised that they were up around the 6200 level.

Felt good but not as good as I would expect for that kind of $$$.

Hit a few with the Epic Hybrid 2 iron and that thing was a bullet, the blustery conditions hardly influenced the flight.

[TM_HOYER]

Some more golf club porn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You are almost forced into getting an Epic bag of some sort now. Cant have all that lime green being tarnished by red...

 

I will not give up my 2016 Sun Mountain C-130S bag. It has lots of pockets, 14 club divider including a putter slot, and a true insulated cooler pocket. The club I belong to works best if you have a carry bag but I ride when I play so I want some cart bag features.

 

Don't blame you a bit for wanting to keep that bag. Best one on the market. I was just tossing some rocks at you since that seemed to be the only piece of non-Callaway equipment.

 

As an aside, I see that you're in GA. Fellow GA members represent.

 

No worries. At the course, you would not know what is in my bag. I have some really nice Stitch head covers for the woods and my Bayhill / Mr. Palmer putter cover.

[jcg132]

What's up with the lack of hybrid shaft options? For an expensive club, you're paying another $100 to get anything decent in it.

 

Callaway's hybrid shafts have been seriously lacking for awhile - good to see them add the KBS Proto Hybrid recently but that's been the only recent addition.

 

Agreed, was hoping to see the Atmos hybrid as an option.

[JonnyKrasnodar]

I'm actually stunned Rick Shiels has come out and said that the Epics beat absolutely nothing out there. Never heard him openly say "don't buy them" about any golf club.

 

Review could only be made better with a mic (or club) drop at the end.

 

Wow.

[scrap22]

Spoke too soon. UPS just showed up. Range time tonight!!!! :)

 

Looking forward to your initial review.

 

Alright, so I got my 3 Hybrid to the range twice since last night :). FIrst impressions of this club is WOW. I cannot believe the distance compared to what I am used to. This thing is way longer than my current hybrid (Cobra Bio Cell), which I absolutely love and is automatic and a go to club for me. The EPIC I have hit about 200 balls now and I have tried to evenly hit about 60-70 balls in different settings - 20*, 21* and 22* to get a gauge on yardage, flight, etc.

 

Distance: Keep in mind that these yardages are rough and basically estimating from the markers on the range and I have shot with my rangefinder. Also considering I was hitting range balls. My current Cobra hybrid (set at 21.5) is consistent at around 180-185. The Epic is longer in every setting. Alot longer for me.

- 20* was close to 215-220ish (again, estimating based on the markers)

- 21* 210-215ish - really hard to gauge roll out at range, but again estimates

- 22* 205-210ish - Much better decent angle at 22 and felt like this will be my setting going forward

Again, very hard to get exacts until I get it to the course (Sunday will be a test for sure)

- The distance on this is actually an issue for me. I may go to the 4 Hybrid to get just slightly less yards (no one ever says that :) - For gapping in my clubs.

Flight: One thing I noticed was what seemed to be pretty drastic increases in flight height from 20-22*. I like my hybrid to fly higher and come down quickly. This is why I will be leaving it at 22* (at least untl my sickness of buying clubs kicks in and I order the 4 hybrid). For me, the flight at 20* seemed flatter than I expected. 21 and 22 degrees were much more like I was expecting. 21 and 22 being very close in height and shape. Flight consistently was very strong and, I guess the term would be penetrating. It was a bit windy this afternoon and it didnt seem to affect the shots at all.

Draw vs Fade: My typical shot is either straight or with a slight draw. Never fade. With my current hybrid, it is usually very consistent and usually no problems. If any, the occasional hook. The miss would always be a hook. With this EPIC, I really had to try and hook it (I tried just to see how far I had to go to get it to hook on some shots). If there was a miss for me with the EPIC, it was more of a fade. I thought it was alignment at first, but no, definitely miss was right for me with this club. Which is fine because I am working hard on the "eliminating one side of the course thing". Consistent, good strikes went my normal straight or slight draw. I dont think I am good enough to "work" the ball with consistentcy, so I try to keep my swing the same.

Feel/Sound: This hybrid feels SOLID and POWERFUL. Even slight of center strikes dont feel bad. I really tried to hit it in different spots on the face and even toe strikes didnt feel much different. Low strikes on the face definitely paid the price with less yardage. No question. The sound was not muted, more of a 'crack' sound, but not obnoxious.

 

Set up at address: In my opinion, the way the crown and face come together, I found it difficult to really get my alignment proper. It took me several shots to get the club in the position I wanted. After the two range sessions, it doesnt seem to be an issue now. Just something that stood out to me. The head is compact, similar to my Cobra. Maybe a touch smaller.

Shaft: I have the Recoil shaft in stiff with this club and man, what an awesome looking shaft. Its almost space age. Dont know how else to describe it. I really liked the feel of this shaft My swing is pretty fluid and I dont load heavy at the top. I may have even been able to go with the regular flex shaft. Once again, I will most likely try other shafts in my quest for the perfect feel of the club. :)

Headcover: Same as other EPICS only smaller. Thats what I tell my wife about something else, but thats a story for another day.

Grip: Same as other EPICS - Golf Pride multi compound.

 

Anyhow, that all I have for now. I am sure others with have their own experiences with it, but thought I would share mine so far. Have a good one.

 

Did you still fade it at 22*?

 

I'm considering the 4h but my natural flight is a fade so I'm curious that I might have trouble hitting it straight or drawing it if it has a natural fade bias.

Not so much, but was certainly a better flight for me. Weird, because I thought it would be the other way around. I also played with the "draw" setting. Absolutely NO for me - everything left. I am wondering how this is going to go with yardage, I may end up with the 4. I just dont know how 2 degrees can change that much, but it did for me. If it was only set at 20*, I wouldnt use the club. Set at 22*, pretty good. I am thinking 23* would be perfect for the yardage I want, etc. The other thing I mentioned was how the crown and face marry up. It is possible that maybe it was just my set up. I dont think so, but it is possible.

 

Just a follow up on my initial note on the 3 Hybrid. Hit the range again after work today and hit another 100 balls with the Hybrid. Did the same thing and tried to hit about 30 or so balls in each 20, 21 and 22 degrees. I really wanted to focus on the way the club sets up at address and if that was contributing to seeing a bit of a fade. I think it might have been partially true. It appears to me that it sits open and I needed to think about setting the face each shot. Shots were just not as consistent as my Cobra. Longer, without question, but not there yet for me. It may be that I have just played my Cobra so long that I am used to it. The Cobra also has the smartpad which they claim will always lie square, which is hard to argue because I actually had never really even thought about this issue with my Cobra.

 

Overall, I like the EPIC 3 Hybrid, but will not go into play on Sunday. I need some more time with it practicing to get the feel.

[hurricanes7]

did you use the same shaft

[TM_HOYER]

First impressions from driving range

 

Epic (Project X LZ 95 5.5 Softstepped) vs. Apex CF16 (Project X LZ 5.5)

 

Look

At setup, the Epic top line is just a little larger and has the same satin look that I like on the Apex.

 

Feel

The Epic club head feels a little heaver than the Apex. You can feel the Epic is cast vs. the Apex forged. But the Epic is not clicky and did not feel vibrations like other cast clubs I hit. Both shafts feel very smooth (no surprise there).

 

Flight

The Epic flys much, much higher than the Apex. There is a green with a flag on the driving range that I use to work on my AW. With the Apex, you had to expect it to have a big first bounce. With the Epic higher flight, it had a small first bounce and stopped. Also the Epic is straight. My right / left misses with the Epic were smaller than the Apex. Also I hit less left shots. I like to hit it straight to a baby fade so I like to eliminate the left side of a hole.

 

Distance

With each longer iron, the distance gap between the Epic and Apex became larger. The Epic AW is just a little longer than the Apex. By the time I got to the 7 iron, it was about 10 yards (1 club for me) longer. The 5 iron flew forever. Even though these are not designed for pro's, I could see them taking a 3 iron, bending the loft and changing the shaft, making it a driving iron.

 

This weekend I am going to get out and get some holes in plus gather some yardages using Game Golf. Also I want to see how the grass interaction is. But so far I am impressed with the Epic. It is giving me the performance differences from the Apex I was looking for when I ordered.

[misplacedtexan83]

I'm actually stunned Rick Shiels has come out and said that the Epics beat absolutely nothing out there. Never heard him openly say "don't buy them" about any golf club.

 

Review could only be made better with a mic (or club) drop at the end.

 

Wow.

 

I was geek wanting to try them.. I finally hit them and they went long but other than that nothing special about them. Hard to say because I wanted them to be magical but no.. My steelhead pros will work just fine!

 

However, the hybrid... now that sob is going into the bag and I dont even use hybrid.. thinking of dropping 5 wood and 4 iron with a 3H then add a 64 wedge!

[scrap22]

did you use the same shaft

You must be in my head. lol. That is the next thing. I was thinking about that on the way home. I have an extra HZRDUS shaft that length and weight may fit into this hybrid for me nicely. Lets see if I can get the kids to go to sleep early tonight and get back to the range. Thanks. I am not giving up on this, as I bought it without ever hitting it and not fitted.

[hurricanes7]

did you use the same shaft

You must be in my head. lol. That is the next thing. I was thinking about that on the way home. I have an extra HZRDUS shaft that length and weight may fit into this hybrid for me nicely. Lets see if I can get the kids to go to sleep early tonight and get back to the range. Thanks. I am not giving up on this, as I bought it without ever hitting it and not fitted.

 

bought it without hitting it, thats awesome

[JonnyKrasnodar]

I'm actually stunned Rick Shiels has come out and said that the Epics beat absolutely nothing out there. Never heard him openly say "don't buy them" about any golf club.

 

Review could only be made better with a mic (or club) drop at the end.

 

Wow.

 

I was geek wanting to try them.. I finally hit them and they went long but other than that nothing special about them. Hard to say because I wanted them to be magical but no.. My steelhead pros will work just fine!

 

However, the hybrid... now that sob is going into the bag and I dont even use hybrid.. thinking of dropping 5 wood and 4 iron with a 3H then add a 64 wedge!

 

By all accounts the hybrid is incredible. Not hit it yet but I've just put cobra utility in the bag and it's going like a rocket so unlikely to purchase unless it's SUPER good.

[scrap22]

Ok, last note on this I think. Went to the range again tonight with my old and new hybrids (New-EPIC, old-Cobra) because I needed to find out what was happening. As usual, hitting the Cobra great. I wanted to see if there was something I was doing different with the EPIC to give me the feeeling of a fade on almost every shot. Another 100 balls playing with different things. It seemed I was doing everything the same, but getting good shots (straight / slight draw) with my Cobra and that slight fade with the EPIC. Epic still longer.

 

I focused on face angle at address and it really was part of it. I really feel like I need to - what looks like - slightly closing face, but its not closed, just what appears to be more than my Cobra. This helped, but still not the flight I was looking for. The EPIC really has a different look at address where the crown meets the face then what I am used to. Never played Callaway hybrids have something to do with it? Then, I strated playing with ball position a bit. not much at all but I moved it up maybe a half inch as there it was, the flight I wanted. I have no idea why this is different compared to my old hybrid, but just a slight bit forward and it seems to be great. Shafts on both are same length. Anyhow, I guess its like anything new, just sometimes takes some getting used to it and seeing what works with each club. The last 50 balls or so tonight was alot of fun now that I have worked a few things out. In closing, just like always, it was the Indian and not the arrow producing that slight fade. Hope I didnt cause any confusion, but rather just wanted to share my findings. This club really is a hammer and I still think I will be getting the 4 hybrid to fit the yardage I am looking for. Have a great Fathers day weekend.

[Konklifer]

The Epic Pro irons look much better in person. Still not a fan of the cavity, but not as bad as I thought. Everything else about them from an aesthetics perspective is A+: Head size, offset, topline and sole width are all perfect for me. However, I still can't justify the price tag. Maybe if I get a deal they could replace my X Hot Pro's.

[FyteOn]

Picked up the 3H and had HotStix put in the Hzrdus hybrid shaft. Unreal combo. Limited time on range because of heat but it is 230-235 and dead balls straight.

[StarFleetGolfer]

Hybrid is great. It is very long and straight. Easy to elevate too.

[DBill]

Does the hybrid take the same optifit adapter as the epic driver and fairways?

 

Edited to add: Is this the same adapter in .370 As the 815 hybrid?

[ifc202]

$2000 of fugly.

[TM_HOYER]

The Epic irons were just as impressive on the course as on the range. Saturday I shot 80, which considering I have broken 80 once, that is pretty dang good. I hit 11 of 18 greens and three more were just off the green and I was putting. Based on the previous day's range session, I decided to use the iron yardages from last year. That was the right way to go and the info from Game Golf confirmed it was the right decision. Also my mishits were in positions I could recover. Instead of going right or left and ending up in a bunker or short sided, they ended up in the opening of the green where I was aiming. They may cost a more than almost all other irons, but for me at least after one round, I am seeing the performance I was hoping for.

[Warrick]

The Epic irons were just as impressive on the course as on the range. Saturday I shot 80, which considering I have broken 80 once, that is pretty dang good. I hit 11 of 18 greens and three more were just off the green and I was putting. Based on the previous day's range session, I decided to use the iron yardages from last year. That was the right way to go and the info from Game Golf confirmed it was the right decision. Also my mishits were in positions I could recover. Instead of going right or left and ending up in a bunker or short sided, they ended up in the opening of the green where I was aiming. They may cost a more than almost all other irons, but for me at least after one round, I am seeing the performance I was hoping for.

 

That is really the only thing that matters, glad they are working for you.

 

Hybrid is great. It is very long and straight. Easy to elevate too.

 

I have only hit it a few times on course, but all seems as it should, 0 complaints.

[adhope653]

New posting to the forum here but been following for a long time. Since there isnt much feedback out there on these thought some people mighy appreciate a review. Purchased a set of epic pro 6-PW w/ PX LZ 105 6.0s which showed up yesterday. Also purchased 4-5 Iron in the Epic model. Those haven't shown up yet.

My current gamers are xhot pros with PX 95 5.5s.

 

Personally, from an asthetic standpoint I think the irons are beautiful. Pictures don't do them justice. I can also understand how traditionalists wouldn't like the look of them. Looks aside, onto the important part, performance.

 

Made it to the range this afternoon. These clubs are easily 15 yds longer than my current set and anything else I've tried lately. Dispersion is really tight and consistent. Love the LZ shafts and ball flight is nice. Used my flightscope mevo to measure the performance. I was consistently spinning the 7i around 6200-6400... i see that spin on these has been low for some people but its been fine for me. The feel of these is amazing for a cast club, love the sound as well. Ball was easily workable and the miss hits were very forgiving.

 

Price point is steep but it is what it is. In my eyes they are slightly overpriced but out match similar clubs in their field (GI). You're basically getting the performace and forgiveness a GI with a player's iron workability and profile to look at.

 

Hope this has been helpful to anyone looking for info on these. 12 hcp if that matters. I'd say the pros are easily playable my mid handicappers.

 

[Big Ben]

I wish they would ditch the flashy green. We get it high tech high visabilty. BB

[Dscvrr St Louis]

Does the hybrid take the same optifit adapter as the epic driver and fairways?

 

Edited to add: Is this the same adapter in .370 As the 815 hybrid?

 

Yes!

[fols6464]

Why is there no tour players using them for all this Hype , because they are a hackers club

at 300 australian forget it

[baudi]

The interesting part for me at least is not about marketing and price setting. This specific model will set a new standard (or a new phase) in head manufacturing. This head is an engineering marvel and takes it much further than PXG eg. Probably it could be referred to as a classic in the future. Unfortunately the marketing speak which came along with the introduction (here’s cart blanche, please develop the best iron ever) is the typical blahah bs that is also a part of Callaway. The great rewards of the Epic Pro are mainly based in the tooling and the manufacturing process which are very innovative and far different from many older styles in production techniques. IMO Callaway sets the blueprint for the future.

Choice of course is based on performance not on tech behind. The best thing I liked about these irons were the launch angles. Usually in GI-sets the short irons still go very high. Not with the epic pro. The strong lofted #9 at 40 degr loft and proper placed cog makes the club very playable for my game. When the development cost can be spreadover futural generations I am sure the price will drop

[Golf64]

Hit the Epic Pro yesterday with the LZ 6.0s. Liked the look and feel. Had a bit higher flight for me. Great clubs, but not $2,800 plus 13% taxes (here in Canada) great. Sorry Callaway! :(

[adhope653]

Finally got out for a round with these. 14/18 GIR (which is amazing for me) w/ 4 birdies for a 79. Only my second time ever going sub-80.

 

These clubs are the real deal. Forgiving, great turf interaction and accurate.

 

 

[chris975d]

Finally got out for a round with these. 14/18 GIR (which is amazing for me) w/ 4 birdies for a 79. Only my second time ever going sub-80.

 

These clubs are the real deal. Forgiving, great turf interaction and accurate.

 

Which do you have? Epic or Epic Pro?

[hurricanes7]

i might do the same and order blind and put the same oban gold shaft that i have in the 3 wood and give it a shot

[DTown3011]

Just ordered my Epic hybrid!

• Gender: Mens
  
• Hand: Right
  
• Club: 3 Hybrid
  

• Grip: Golf Pride - New Dec MCC Plus4 Grey
  
• Wraps: Standard
  
• Length: Standard
  
• Shaft Type: KBS Tour Prototype 95 HYB Graphite, Stiff